FOTA love-in: How much?

There is a lot of talk over how much love-in of FOTA is going to last. I would like to see this in the wake of ever increasing ties between McLaren and Ferrari. A little than a year ago the two teams weren’t looking each other in the eye and now! One of the reasons of this change in relationship is because of the formation of Formula One Teams’ Association. A very strong reason is that both teams want to get a better deal on the money from Bernie Ecclestone.

FOTA: Killing the monopoly of Mosley and Ecclestone?

FOTA is looking for the betterment of F1 in their own way rather then working under the directions of Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone. The combined influence of Mosley and Ecclestone have severely damaged F1 in the past. But with the Honda’s exit the reality is in the face of the manufacturers. They simply now beleive that for their survival and the motorsport they have to stay united together. FOTA proposed most of the rules now in practice for this year and beyond. Example of the influence FOTA is putting on the sport comes from their confirmation that each manufacturer is willing to supply customer engines for 5 million Euros per season and gearboxes for 1.5 million Euros to make it more feasible than it has been for years for an independent team to enter F1. Also teams want to decide the rules of F1 based on market research!

These are all positive sides of the groups strength. FOTA recently also opened an office in London. This shows the sign of a long lasting unity. FOTA for me will not fall apart. They will be very aware of the power that they can wield as a united force.

The big 2: McLaren and Ferrari

Ferrari and McLaren are two of the biggest teams in F1. Its is unfathomable to think F1 with them. Many argue that all the current F1 teams are in the sport to try and win. Presumably when they meet each team has an agenda based in it’s individual strengths and how they can best direct the rules to their advantage. Such demands can result in this whole thing falling apart if Ferrari and McLaren want certain things.

For example, the ban in in-season testing is to the detriment of the smaller teams who do not have the same quality of wind tunnels, CFD and simulation systems and who have relied, to an extent, on putting the part onto the car and watching the lap times.

Also, a few difference started to surface like Flavio Briatore assault on BMW not joining in the call to suspend the intro of KERS.

Bernie Ecclestone

He has already started with his efforts to break FOTA as he knows the strength of teams unity might put a hole in his pocket. He already admitted publically that he pays Ferrari more than any other team to keep them cosy. But this hasn’t worked as everyone already new the fact.

He might offer Ferrari some more to break them from FOTA. Can this be his next step?